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How can UV radiation damage the skin’s DNA?
How can UV radiation damage the skin’s DNA?-November 2024
Nov 15, 2024 5:40 PM

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How can UV radiation damage the skin’s DNA?

UV radiation, specifically UVA and UVB rays, can cause significant damage to the DNA in skin cells. This damage occurs through various mechanisms, including direct DNA absorption of UV photons and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the skin.

1. Direct DNA Absorption: UVB rays have higher energy levels than UVA rays and are directly absorbed by the DNA molecules in skin cells. This absorption can lead to the formation of thymine dimers, which are abnormal bonds between adjacent thymine bases in the DNA strand. Thymine dimers disrupt the normal structure of DNA, impairing its ability to replicate accurately and increasing the risk of mutations.

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2. Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Both UVA and UVB rays can induce the production of ROS within the skin. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage cellular components, including DNA. They can directly interact with DNA molecules, leading to the formation of DNA adducts and strand breaks. These DNA lesions can interfere with DNA replication and transcription processes, potentially leading to genetic mutations and cellular dysfunction.

3. Activation of DNA Repair Mechanisms: When skin cells are exposed to UV radiation, they activate various DNA repair mechanisms to counteract the damage. However, prolonged or intense exposure to UV radiation can overwhelm these repair mechanisms, leading to the accumulation of DNA damage and an increased risk of mutations.

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4. Immunosuppression: UV radiation can also suppress the immune system’s ability to detect and repair DNA damage in skin cells. This immunosuppression further contributes to the accumulation of DNA damage and increases the risk of skin cancer development.

Overall, UV radiation can cause significant damage to the DNA in skin cells through direct absorption, generation of ROS, interference with DNA repair mechanisms, and immunosuppression. Protecting the skin from excessive UV exposure through measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade can help minimize DNA damage and reduce the risk of skin-related health issues.

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Keywords: damage, radiation, mechanisms, repair, absorption, through, direct, generation, reactive

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